QINGDAO -- Chinese sailor Guo Chuan got round the Cape Horn in Chile about 1 am GMT on Jan 19 and became China's first sailor crossing the waters off the Cape Horn in the solo non-stop sailing around the world, according to Guo's support team.

"The Cape Horn is the landmark for sailors," Guo Chuan said over the satellite phone. "It's like having surmounted Mt. Qomolangma for climbers."

"Today is a red letter day for China's ocean sailing and congratulations to Guo Chuan," said Lin Zhiwei, head of the Yachting Association of Qingdao, Guo's hometown where he started sailing.

Temperatures off the Cape Horn are low and waves are strong, so the waters off the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago are considered as the most difficult for solo sailing around the world.

"Although there is still half voyage to go, I feel relaxed after the Cape Horn as the most challenging difficulties have been behind me," said the 48-year-old Guo.

Guo, the first Chinese sailor to have taken part in the Clipper Round the World (2006) and to have completed the Volvo Ocean Race (2008-2009), aims to travel 21,600 nautical miles in about 130 days, in a class 40 boat.

Guo set off from Qingdao on Nov 18 last year.